Zilch

It is noticeable that the music of Zilch had strong american influences, particularly beacause it was composed of Japanese and American members. But at the same time it held melodic and powerful nuances which distinguished hide's solo works. Though in essence it remained rock. Also alot of the lyrics were in English, since the goal was to create a successful international band.

Zilch was formed in 1997 from an idea of hide (X-Japan), and was a unique project that, until then, had never been carried out before; it was composed of one half Japanese members and the other half American members. In hide's opinion, music was universal, meaning it made no difference which music you played in the world. Ray was a long term friend of hide, who maintained acquaintances in the environment the of US-Metal scene, like with Marylin Manson. From this circle he also fetched Paul Raven, as well as numerous other musicians, who enlarged the band as session members or support members.

hide's plan resided in the fact that a group like Zilch could be very easily promoted in Europe, and then later, with the mounting success, could conquer other continents. Since he had his own label, he decided after alot of contemplation to release the album 3.2.1. Zilch simultaneously in Europe and Japan. Though because of his death, everything was put on hold, partly because Ray was very shaken by the death of his long term friend.

On the 23rd of July the album appeared, complete in English, however the plan to release it in Europe was dropped and they concentrated only on Japan. Of course the album shot to place 1 of the charts in Japan, and began a short career for the band in the "Land of the Rising Sun". The remix album BASTARD EYES, which hide had once planned, appeared in 1999. After several concerts, in which J (ex-LUNA SEA) took part in as support bassist, Paul and Ray announced Zilch's break. During this time, both of them switched to Inside the Pervert Mound, which ended up under the name of Queasy Jesus after several transformations.

In 2001 Zilch began releasing multiple singles, which were distributed under the label "Blood Bros". This label was founded at the of that year by Ray and J, and accommodated amongst others Youjeen. The activities of the label were until then unique in Japan: International musicians were invited simply as guest musicians to the concerts of the label. Steve Jones (ex- Sex Pistols) or Duff McKagen (ex- Guns'n'Roses) were often involved. But the work in the label resulted simultaneously in Zilch not being given the full attention it needed. Consequently, the unofficial end followed at the end of the year.